Robert Niles to the Commissioners

[dateline] Nants the 22d of January 1779

[salute] Honourable Gentlemen

On my arival here Mr. Dobree told me he was informed By a line from you1 that I had Said that I was taken By a Privateer that belonged partly to his father2—and Desired me to give him in Wrighting What the Captain Said. But as it is a matter
that Concerns my Country and You being part of the legislative body of my Country
To Whom I am accountable for my Conduct—I told Him I Rather Chose to leave it With
you and if you thought Proper to give a Coppy or the original I Should be Content.
I Shall now Relate Matters in such a Manner as if Called upon I Shall be Ready and
Willing To make oath to the truth of them. Viz. Capt. de lagarde Of the mars Cutter
Privateer belonging to Jersey Accidentally Said Mr. Dobree of Guernsey was one of
His owners. On his mentioning the name of Dobree I Asked if he had a Son in Nants—He
answered yes. I then Told him I knew the young gentleman and that he had married A
Daughter of Mr. Scheiwghauser3 in Nants. He answered Yes he is married Some where there. I then told him I Should
Acquaint the Commissioners of it as Soon as I arived in France. These Gentlemen are
undenyable facts. I have the honour To be your most Obedient humbl Servt

[signed] Robt Niles

I have heard Capt. de le gard of the Mars Cutter say when interogated by Capt. Niles
that Mr. Dobree was part owner of his Pr[i]vateer { 374 } and that the said Mr. Dobree had a son in France which I believe he said remained
in Nantes.